Tree path 2 levels Grünfeld Defense › Exchange Variation
- Caissa Codex
- Grünfeld Defense D80
- Exchange Variation D85 you are here
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation
Overview
Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation is a named branch in the Closed & Semi-Closed Games group of chess theory, classified under ECO D85.
The Closed & Semi-Closed Games group covers closed and semi-closed games — 1.d4 systems characterised by long strategic manoeuvring rather than early tactics.
It begins with 8 plies and takes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 to reach the canonical position.
It branches immediately from Grünfeld Defense in the opening tree.
3 named variations grow from this line, including Classical Variation, Modern Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack.
Together the deeper variations number 14 across the full subtree.
Use the board to walk through every move, check how the position has scored on Lichess, or take it head-to-head against Stockfish.
- ECO code
- D85
- Group
- Closed & Semi-Closed Games (D)
- Plies
- 8
- Parent
- Grünfeld Defense
- Direct variations
- 3
- Total in subtree
- 14
This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Statistics from Lichess
2,710,770 games · White 45.7% / Draw 7.4% / Black 46.9%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| e4 | 2,168,290 | |
| Bd2 | 163,994 | |
| Nf3 | 138,919 | |
| Nxd5 | 78,036 | |
| e3 | 49,805 | |
| g3 | 46,746 | |
| Na4 | 25,530 | |
| Qb3 | 16,635 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:56:25
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.
Variations (3)
Show all 14 sub-variations (full subtree)
- D86 Classical Variation 13-ply
- D85 Modern Exchange Variation 13-ply
- D85 Nadanian Attack 9-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation 16-ply
- D85 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation 14-ply
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Seville Variation 23-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Improved Variation 16-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Simagin's Lesser Variation 16-ply
- D87 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 16-ply
- D88 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 21-ply
- D89 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation 26-ply
- D86 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Larsen Variation 18-ply
- D85 Pawn Grab Line 20-ply
- D89 Grünfeld Defense: Exchange Variation, Sokolsky Variation 27-ply